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EPA Finalizes Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule

EPA’s final mandatory greenhouse gas reporting rule was published in the Federal Register on October 30, and the rule went into effect on December 29. In general the rule requires facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per year to report their GHG emissions. Some key provisions of the rule include:

Reporting is for most facilities is at the facility level;

Facilities and suppliers were required to begin collecting data on January 1, 2010.

The first emissions report is due on March 31, 2011, for emissions during 2010.

EPA estimates that 85 percent of the total U.S. GHG emissions, from approximately 10,000 facilities, will be covered by this final rule.

Most small businesses would fall below the 25,000 metric ton threshold and are not required to report GHG emissions to EPA.

Most reports are to be submitted annually.

EPA will verify the data submitted and will not require third party verification. Prior to EPA verification, and consistent with other Clean Air Act programs, reporters will be required to self-certify the data they submit to EPA.